Parliament of Victoria | Legislative Council | Members Statements
23 September 2026
David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan Region):
As I prepare to depart from Parliament, I cannot help but reflect on how the conversation around drug use has changed.
Just weeks ago One Nation’s Victorian leader Warren Pickering opened up about his past drug use, prompting similar admissions from MPs across the political spectrum to what can only be described as a collective shrug from Victorians.
While I disagree with much of One Nation’s policy platform – some good questions but answers that will not help working and marginalised Victorians – no-one can accept impaired driving, be that from alcohol or any other form of drug. Mr Pickering’s story reminds us that drug use should be treated as a health issue, not a criminal one.
I hope that we have played a part in normalising the idea that people can take drugs and still contribute to society.
We are your shoppies, your tradies, your nurses, your teachers and, yes, even your MPs. We do not want special treatment, we simply want dignity, equality and compassion.
